Sunday, 2 December 2012

Culling a book collection

I recently read at Read in a Single Sitting the contemplation of book culling. I was about to respond to that post, but then decided that I would write the following post and then share the link. Crafty I know, but why type the details twice?

As I have allured to in recent weeks, we are having a change of direction. That change will undoubtedly mean that our belongings, those inherited and purchased will need to be seriously looked at. As we downsize and then potentially move overseas, even for part of a year we have to seriously look at our possessions.

For more than 25 years I had never culled a book. Then in 2005 I found Book Crossing and shared a few books using that medium, but I did not find that overly satisfying. I looked again at my book collection and divided the books into those I would keep and use - mainly non fiction, and those authors and fictional books that I would re-read. The rest I have either sold via eBay or Amazon or given away to charity shops.

As I sit and write this I can see a rather full bookcase and I know if I strain my head and turn a bit I can see another 2. I can wander downstairs via the landing and will find another 3. Each one full of books. How can I part with any? Each one has a story to tell, not just the one within the covers, but also of how it came to live with me and be read and enjoyed.

Some of these books are genealogical, some are linked into part of my family and I would not be willing to part with them. Hubby, although not a reader, has a rather substantial collection of fishing books and we have already agreed that they should be kept.

So, we have started in the reverse. Downsizing in the UK is not really a problem. We plan to sacrifice one of our spare rooms into an Office/ Study where we will house our books and my genealogical material. This house is 4 bedroom and if far too big for us!

Our overseas relocation is a slightly different story. At the point of shipment we will confirm together the amount of containers that will be paid for as part of that move. I am pondering on 3. There will be only a few electrical items taken - laptops, Christmas tree, I know, but I am the least festive person on the planet and I rather like our tree, so its relocating with us! The rest of our main electrical will not. The same goes for furniture nothing will be coming with us, apart from a couple of small pieces and the rest of the containers will be filled with our personal things - those inherited and photographs and books, and some inherited and special china.

On discussion with a friend, she advised me that I was cheating making the culling decision and perhaps she is right, but at this moment in time I don't want to cull some of those books. So I shall at some point go back through the collection and have another clear through, but as my Grandmother always said "if in doubt, don't do it" So I shall follow her advice and see where that leads us.

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About Me

I am a Surrey girl, who is very proud of her roots, which go back almost 300 years in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. I currently live in the West Country of England, but Surrey is always home! I am also half Italian and thus have an interest in Italian culture and genealogy.

After a career in pharmacy management spanning more than 20 years, I made the decision to look at my options as to where my professional life was heading. I wanted to expand my work portfolio within the training and writing arena; to utilise my historical and research skills along with other qualifications and years of experience. I created The Book of Me, Written by You back in the Autumn of 2012. It threads together the focus of my interests and qualifications. Enabling me to encourage others to think beyond the obvious as we analyse our own lives and those of our close family members.

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The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Julie Goucher & Anglers Rest unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Julie Goucher & Anglers Rest.